TLDR; I cannot recommend Stereo Rehab in Chicago enough for anyone wanting their audio equipment serviced by a true professional, who cares equally for your equipment and you.
This past Saturday I took my Marantz 2235B to Stereo Rehab in Chicago for its first service ever. From the moment I walked in, I was treated with nothing but kindness. I was told I was free to explore the waiting/listening room and could play whatever music I wanted on their system while I waited to be seen.
Once Casper, the owner, brought me back to the shop area he walked me through his troubleshooting on the oscilloscope and guided me through some diagnostics while three other customers/friends of his watched. Casper opened my receiver in front of me and told me exactly what defects, OEM component brands, etc. he was looking for. One of his customers even gave me instructions for restoring my WC-22 case.
The whole time Casper was very personable, and asked me questions about everything from what I used the receiver for to where I went to college and what I wanted to do later in life. I have never had an experience with any type of business that was this positive and clearly cared 110% for their customers' equipment, transparency, and enjoyment.
And as a plus, his shop cat was sleeping on the bench next to us and was as friendly as the people in the shop. After my service was quoted, Casper told me everything I needed to know about payment, auditioning before pickup, and then invited me to hang out to talk and share music after he saw another customer.
I will add to this thread with my final thoughts once I pick up my receiver. But for now, all I can say is Stereo Rehab is the only place I will bring my equipment. Well worth the hour and a half drive and working with their limited hours (12-8 Friday and Saturday). Despite being my first time ever coming to his shop, it felt like coming home to an old friend.
This past Saturday I took my Marantz 2235B to Stereo Rehab in Chicago for its first service ever. From the moment I walked in, I was treated with nothing but kindness. I was told I was free to explore the waiting/listening room and could play whatever music I wanted on their system while I waited to be seen.
Once Casper, the owner, brought me back to the shop area he walked me through his troubleshooting on the oscilloscope and guided me through some diagnostics while three other customers/friends of his watched. Casper opened my receiver in front of me and told me exactly what defects, OEM component brands, etc. he was looking for. One of his customers even gave me instructions for restoring my WC-22 case.
The whole time Casper was very personable, and asked me questions about everything from what I used the receiver for to where I went to college and what I wanted to do later in life. I have never had an experience with any type of business that was this positive and clearly cared 110% for their customers' equipment, transparency, and enjoyment.
And as a plus, his shop cat was sleeping on the bench next to us and was as friendly as the people in the shop. After my service was quoted, Casper told me everything I needed to know about payment, auditioning before pickup, and then invited me to hang out to talk and share music after he saw another customer.
I will add to this thread with my final thoughts once I pick up my receiver. But for now, all I can say is Stereo Rehab is the only place I will bring my equipment. Well worth the hour and a half drive and working with their limited hours (12-8 Friday and Saturday). Despite being my first time ever coming to his shop, it felt like coming home to an old friend.
